Intercultural Discourse and Communication: The Essential Readings is a collection of articles from the field of intercultural discourse and intercultural communication. It consists of four sections, which provide readings on major theoretical approaches, case studies of cultural and sub-cultural contact from around the globe, issues of identity in "bicultural" individuals, and the "real-world" implications of intercultural contact, and conflict, in two cases.

Each section includes a brief introduction by the editors that explains the main concepts, as well as discussion questions that enhance the book’s value for courses.